Tik-Tok/U...Z

Summary

In the more distant past: Tik-Tok is finally purchased by the Studebakers and begins a quiet career in cleaning and domestic chores. But in the absence of any danger or drama of any kind, he becomes obsessively focused on dirt and human disorder, until his anger finally erupts in his first murder.

In the recent past: Boosted by Tik-Tok's fame, the robot rights movement finally achieves legal equality. Tik-Tok's political patron General Cord persuades him to join the Presidential campaign of Governor Ford Maxwell and become his candidate for Vice President. In the midst of winning the election, evidence comes to light of one of his many impulsive murders (the only one committed against someone who had actually wronged him). On his way to jail he contemplates writing this autobiography.

In the framing story: His memoir is an instant bestseller and makes him even more popular in spite of all his crimes (for which he is not legally liable because most of them happened before he was legally a person). Soon to be released and installed as Vice President, Tik-Tok plans the destruction of the human race.

U

("Up to now my career...")

V

("V. The office to which I aspired...")

W

("Wyoming's governor...")

X

("X. Across the parking lot...")

Y

("You may be an old tinhead...")

Z

("Z. His laughter sounded like rapid snoring")